As We Humbly Serve

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love…Galatians 5:13.

I recently shared that my youngest son and daughter-in-law had just purchased their first home!  As we all know…this a huge decision and can be a little overwhelming!

Tori, my daughter-in-law moved in with us a couple of weeks prior to the scheduled date to close on their new home.  My son, who is still working in the Chicago area, is commuting, coming home Thursday nights for long weekends!

Their goal the next few weekends was to shop for paint and different items that they would need prior to moving in!  Needless to say….as they shopped…and priced numerous items…you could see the look of panic in their eyes!

Throughout the weekend, they questioned and asked…”Are we doing the right thing”?  “Is this the right home for us”?  “Should we wait”? 

My heart went out to them as they questioned their decision throughout the weekend, and the next several days.

The thought of having them closer to home so we could spend more time with them was wonderful, but at the same time, I truly wanted what was best for them! 

All I could do was pray for them and ask God to give them peace in this situation.

I understood all of the questions they were asking.  Was purchasing this home God’s will for them at this time in their young lives?

And I know the thought of painting the entire interior of their home (which was one of the tasks they were hoping to accomplish prior to moving in) was daunting?  They didn’t believe they could afford to have it painted, so they were considering doing all of the painting themselves (along with help from family and friends).

As they moved forward with their plans, I encouraged them that we could tackle the painting job and we would be able to get it done.  However, if I am completely honest…I felt a little overwhelmed with the large project before us!

The day of closing on their home came.  I took the afternoon off, so I could meet them at their new home to begin the task of cleaning…from top to bottom!  Tori and I tackled each room with enthusiasm, and only stopped briefly for lunch and dinner!

Our goal was to clean the entire house so it would be ready for painting the next day!  I’m happy to say that we accomplished that goal…and left their home around midnight to get some much-needed sleep before the next day!

The next morning, Jay left early to begin prep work for painting!  Tori left to pick up some supplies, and I had the fun job of picking up Panera bagels and coffee for those who were scheduled to help!

Shortly after I arrived with the bagels and coffee, various friends came over to offer their assistance.  One of Jay’s high school friends, Matt, was already there when I arrived!

After grabbing a cup of coffee or sampling a tasty bagel, we were all assigned various areas to work!

Jay and Matt were painting the main room in the basement!  John and Pam Guymon (dear friends of ours and our children) arrived right on schedule!  Pam and I started trimming the kitchen and John tackled replacing the kitchen sink faucet!

Another friend, Josh, arrived and began painting as well!  Later that day, another friend, Shane, came and the house was bristling with activity!

We broke briefly for lunch…Tori provided us La Gondola for lunch (which was very tasty)…but soon were back to work!  The house was full of activity, but more importantly, full of fun teasing, laughter and love!  There was such a sweet spirit within the group who had graciously come to serve!

This sweet group of individuals…our brothers and sisters in Christ…came to serve.  God’s word states… You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love…Galatians 5:13.

This precious group did numerous tasks that day.  They painted…repaired sinks…brought paint supplies…ladders…lights…and just were willing to do whatever was asked of them!  They performed each task with sweet spirits and humbly served that day!

A few nights’ later, Jay’s sister and husband (and their three small children) brought dinner and helped Tori and I paint!  Again, there was a willingness to serve and help!

Throughout the next few weeks…different individuals helped them unload their pod…brought dinner…helped unpacked…and continued with the painting!

After a day of unloading their pod, washing dishes, painting, we even celebrated my birthday with cake in their new home!

The task that had originally looked daunting…overwhelming…was being completed in a very timely fashion! 

Dear friends…who we call family…came with serving hearts…and helped Jay and Tori accomplish a major project!

Last weekend, after only two weeks, Jay and Tori’s entire interior of their home has been painted!  Boxes are unpacked…items have been put into their proper place…and their new house…is truly feeling like home!

We are so thankful to all who came and served with such sweet spirits!  With humble hearts and lots of love, we accomplished so much in such a short period of time. 

And now…Jay and Tori can relax (at least for a little while) and enjoy their beautiful home!

Dear Heavenly Father…thank you for the gift of friendship!  Thank you for friends who love you and are so willing to serve alongside you with humble hearts and sweet spirits!  Help each of us to be willing to serve…with love, joy and laughter!  Use us to bless others as we serve!